Page 158 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2020

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HOLIDAYS
story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
During times of uncertainty, when nothing seems normal, there are two things we can count on: Thanksgiving and Christmas. The two biggest holidays in the South are going to come
around every year and even when we are not sure what will happen next week, we know for those two celebrations we are going to gather, feast, and reconnect with those we hold dear. This year a traditional Thanksgiving and classic Christmas may be just what we need.
Traditional Thanksgiving fare in Southern Mississippi almost always includes oyster dressing. Made using the family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, every family has the one person designated to bring the oyster dressing, just like they have the designated green bean casserole maker. Most of the
time the menu stays the same but every once in a while, someone will throw the family a curveball and introduce a new recipe. Embrace them this year and the family may nd a new favorite dish!
If Thanksgiving is at your house, consider adding new ways for those young and old to express gratitude. Trade in the table cloth for kraft paper and give each person a marker to write down what they are thankful for. Play a
game of group Pictionary or Charades after dinner and try to guess what a family member is thankful for by their scribbles or actions. Consider having a family discussion at the Thanksgiving gathering about how the family can give back to those less fortunate during the upcoming Christmas season. Make some plans to volunteer,
donate to a local food bank, or write cards to our service members that can’t be with their families during the holidays.
It’s not too early to begin thinking about creating your classic Southern Christmas. While one family member most often hosts Thanksgiving festivities, nearly every home decorates for Christmas or Hannukah. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, we begin pulling out the holiday
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